“Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems” ― Epictetus

Anxiety and nervousness are often our brains playing tricks on us. More often than not, nothing is as stressful and difficult as our minds, and other people tell us they are. Yesterday, I took the Upper Level SSAT for the first time. The night before, I was anxious, yet ready to take the test.

I wasn't anxious because I thought I wouldn't perform well, but I was anxious because of the test's implications. Schools you are applying to see your score, and you really want to perform to the best of your abilities, but after wise words from both of my parents and my brother, a great deal of this stress went away. They said, in their own words; "This is not the only piece to the puzzle. The SSAT's are important, but they aren't the only part of what a school looks at in you. Many other aspects of who you are, and what you do are considered."

Going into the test, I felt mixed emotions. I had heard from many people that the SSAT's were tortuous, and that it was such a relief to get them finished. After taking the test, these rumors were debunked; at least for me. I went into the test with one thing on my mind; the adage of doing your best and forgetting the rest. This is exactly what I did on the test, and it wasn't stressfull, and I felt as if it went well.

In closing, I would tell you this. The SSAT is important, but it is only a part of what schools look at in you. Don't worry, they are not meant to torture you, they are meant for people to review to be able to see your academic capabilities. Do not drive yourself crazy by stressing over them. Just do your best, and I assure you that good things will follow.